Hairpin Lace is a technique I haven’t yet had the privilege of trying – but it’s definitely on the short list! I’ve spotted hairpin lace looms and kits at big box craft stores and at Amazon, and one of these days I’m going to pick one up and master this fascinating technique.
This type of lace is made using a crochet hook and specialized loom. You make long strips, and then these strips are crocheted together. There are an infinite variety of ways that these strips can be joined. And that’s how you get all the amazing projects made with this technique!
It was popular in Victorian times, and I think it’s due for a comeback. For this roundup I’ve included a beginner video and a link to the most complete tutorial on the web. And a list of 10 free patterns that will have you adding hairpin lace to your own to do list!
Stitch Diva Studios is known for it’s hairpin lace patterns, and lucky for all of us, they offer their expertise for free! Below is their beginner video. They have put together an extensive list of tutorials. I highly recommend that you go there when you’re ready to sit down, loom in hand, and learn more.
So now that we have an idea of how it works, how about some drool-worthy free patterns to feast our eyes on?
10 Free Hairpin Lace Crochet Patterns
- Hairpin Lace Popcorn Scarf by Fatima Lasay, on Crochetology:
- Hairpin Lace Baby Blanket by Bernat Design Studio:
- Holcomb Farm Scarf by Beverly Army Williams, a Ravelry download:
- #11a Mohair Hairpin Lace Shawl by Clover Japan:
- Woman’s Hairpin Lace Shawl by Coats & Clark:
- Hairpin Lace Scarf and Fingerless Gloves by Susanne W., a Ravelry download:
- Calypso Hairband/Headband by Birgit Tüchsen, on ByNumber19:
- Hairpin Lace Bookmark by Margret Willson, on Talking Crochet with Carol Alexander
- Hairpin Lace Neck Cuff by Jennifer Hansen, on Stitch Diva Studios:
- Convertible Wrap by Jennifer Hansen, on Stitch Diva Studios:
Have you tried any hairpin lace crochet patterns? Have any advice for those of us who haven’t tried it before? I can’t wait to find some time to really dig into this technique!
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Cassie
My grandmother taught me how to make afghans this way. For the longest time, it was the only craft I could do. I didn’t realize that if I could do that, I could crochet until a friend pointed out that I had been “crocheting” all along…
That being said, this is a very time consuming method. Hairpin lace afghans are given to every member of the family, and these afghans take much longer to make than a normal crochet afghan.
In the end, I believe it is worth it – they last for decades and are absolutely gorgeous!
One hint…do not buy the metal frames in the store. Have a frame made for you from wooden dowel rods. The yarn moves much better with the wood and doesn’t tend to cause slips the way the metal frames do. You can also pick the thickness of your rods this way, rather than being stuck with one size.
moogly
Great tip Cassie! And I love your story, thank you so much for sharing it!
Nicole
great tip with the homemade frame Cassie, which thickness do you recommend for afghan?
Patricia Taplin
Why can I not find the popcorn hairpin lace pattern on here??.
Tamara Kelly
It looks like the blog owner moved it or took it down. The internet archive link should work for a little while: http://web.archive.org/web/20140206183327/http://crochetology.net/2012/09/hairpin-lace-popcorn-scarf/